ILLIT, the rising K-pop girl group, has made history by winning the Best New Artist award at the prestigious 66th Japan Record Awards. Belift Lab, the group’s agency, confirmed the achievement on November 21, highlighting the group’s swift ascent in the global music scene.
The Japan Record Awards, organized by the Japan Composer’s Association, is Japan’s oldest and most esteemed music awards ceremony, first held in 1959. ILLIT’s win is particularly significant, as it marks the first time in 13 years that a K-pop girl group has received this honor. Girls’ Generation and 2NE1 were the last groups to earn this accolade.
What makes this recognition even more extraordinary is that ILLIT achieved it prior to their official debut in Japan. Their success stems from their Korean releases, which have found massive popularity among Japanese audiences. Their first mini-album, Super Real Me, released in March, and their second mini-album, I’ll Like You, released last month, have both been met with acclaim.
The title track of their debut mini-album, Magnetic, set a record by surpassing 100 million streams in the shortest time ever for a girl group single. This milestone underscores ILLIT’s growing impact in the competitive K-pop and Japanese music markets.
In a statement expressing their gratitude, ILLIT said, “Winning Best New Artist has been our dream for this year, and we’re truly honored to achieve it. We will continue to grow and show the world what ILLIT can achieve.”
ILLIT’s recognition extends beyond the Japan Record Awards. The group has also been invited to perform at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Battle), Japan’s most prestigious year-end music program, further cementing their prominence in the Japanese entertainment industry.
The group’s success exemplifies K-pop’s global reach and its ability to bridge cultural divides. By producing high-quality music and delivering emotionally compelling performances, ILLIT has quickly captured the hearts of fans in Japan and beyond.
With their momentum steadily building, ILLIT’s achievements promise an even brighter future for the group and reaffirm the ever-growing influence of K-pop on the global stage.
Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com
